The Astronaut's Original Watch

Omega's 'Dark Side of the Moon' Speedmaster

When Buzz Aldrin took his first steps on the Moon in 1969, it was with an Omega Speedmaster strapped around his right wrist. He later admitted that few things were less necessary at that moment than knowing what time it was in Houston, but he was a watch guy. The midcentury design of Aldrin's Speedmaster has been an inspiration for Omega ever since – both its clean construction and the timeless quality are selling points for the brand's new clientele: "When an Omega customer wears a Speedmaster," president Stephen Urquhart explains, "he has, in some form, a piece of history on his wrist."

Periodically, Omega releases special edition Speedmasters, and the latest iteration is a throwback to American space travel and midcentury design. A fascination with celestial exploration and the acquisition of fine timepieces have long been worthy gentlemanly pursuits, so Omega's combination of the two makes sense. Dubbed the 'Dark Side of the Moon,' this Speedmaster features an all-black zirconium oxide ceramic construction, with a casebody, bezel, dial, and bracelet buckle all of the same material. "Unlike other ceramic watches that are on the market," Urquhart says. "Our timepiece is ceramic through-and-through." The watch also features the quality and craftsmanship Omega's customers expect: 18-karat white gold hands, a matte chromium tachymeter scale, and two ceramic subdials.

"The design of the Speedmaster 'Dark Side of the Moon' complements any wardrobe, but it is worn best with a sharp, classy look – a dark blue or, better still, a black suit with a white shirt and no tie," Urquhart suggests. "This watch says a lot about the person wearing it, so it's certainly a top choice to wear to an interview." No matter how you dress it up, the new Speedmaster is a stellar design with serious down-to-earth appeal. [$12,000; Omega]